The future of Juventus striker Dušan Vlahović, whose contract with the Turin club expires next summer, has become a central topic of speculation in the football world. Amidst this uncertainty, a figure close to the player has provided a decisive prediction regarding his next destination.
In an interview with the Italian newspaper “Tutto Sport”, Dušan Ilić, the physical trainer for the Serbian national team and a long-time personal associate of Vlahović, asserted that the prolific forward is poised for a return to Spanish football, specifically with FC Barcelona. “He will return to play in Spain; I believe he will move to Barcelona,” Ilić stated, effectively cutting through the prevailing rumors. He revealed that prior to Vlahović’s move to Juventus, an opportunity to play in La Liga had presented itself from Atlético Madrid, but the player chose to remain in Italy. “The situation is different now,” Ilić emphasized.
Ilić elaborated that Vlahović’s career trajectory necessitates a profound change, requiring a new sporting project where he can truly flourish. “Dušan loves and respects Italy, which is why he stayed there for a long time, but now he needs to regain his path and attempt to evolve,” the fitness coach explained. He posited that this transition represents the sole method for the Serbian international to rediscover the world-class scoring form he exhibited during his tenure at Fiorentina.
Road to Recovery and Professional Dedication
Shifting focus to the player’s current physical condition, Ilić provided a detailed update on the injury sidelining the striker. He characterized the adductor muscle issue as complex, demanding a meticulous and careful recovery process. “I expect his return to the pitch in early March of next year,” Ilić projected. He attributed the extended rehabilitation timeline to the sensitive nature of the affected area, which heals slowly, but expressed confidence that with the support of medical specialists, fans will witness Vlahović’s return to action soon.
Concluding his remarks, Ilić, who commenced his personalized work with Vlahović back in 2021 during the pandemic, lavished praise on the player’s professional ethos. “My opinion of him as a player and a person is excellent,” he affirmed. Highlighting their concentrated efforts on nutritional and physical aspects, Ilić commended Vlahović’s exceptional physical capabilities and his unwavering dedication to maintaining peak condition.
